The Adams Area Fire District, Butler County Station 42, regrets to announce the passing of Vice President and Life Member James “Jimmy” M. Ellis, Jr., aged 49, after a recent illness. Jimmy joined our parent organization, Mars Volunteer Fire Company, in 1990 as a teenage junior member. Except for being away for a tour in the Air National Guard, he remained an active member ever since. He served in line officer and executive board positions over the years. Jimmy grew up in Mars and his family lineage in Adams Area and Mars fire companies runs deep – his late father and grandfather were both members, and a great uncle was a Charter Member of MVFC. Additionally, as his career, Jimmy was a Captain with the Pittsburgh Bureau of Fire, serving there some 23 years.

Jason Safreed, District President, said Jimmy’s contributions were innumerable. “He’s the ‘bricks and mortar’ on where the company is today. Literally and figuratively, as Jimmy was deeply involved in the design of our present headquarters building.” Tim Llewellyn, District Fire Chief, spoke of the legacy left by Jimmy on the firefighting capabilities of the District and those he helped instruct.

Many attributes of Jimmy are being expressed, both as a man and a firefighter. A loving husband and father to two sons. An outstanding leader and mentor, yet forever the gentleman. His gentle but strong leadership style, and a kind “welcome aboard,” made the brand new probate feel as much a part of the organization as the salty veteran. Many depended on his vision, and it is woven into many facets of the present and future AAFD. In short, he was universally afforded the badge of honorarium as a ‘fireman’s fireman.’

One of many specialties was his passion to teach others. Countless comments have been expressed about what others learned from Jimmy. Gary McCormick, Chief Emeritus of the Mars VFC and current AAFD member, remarked about the role reversal and transformation in Jimmy when he returned from military service. “Instead of me teaching you what I knew, you began teaching me [and others].” Jimmy became a widely known fire service instructor throughout Western Pennsylvania and beyond. And no matter where his soaring professional wings carried him, he never neglected opportunities to continue teaching and mentoring right here at home.

Services for James M. Ellis, Jr. are being finalized through the William Slater Funeral Services in Pittsburgh. Plans will include a processional “pass-by” of the Adams Area Fire District Headquarters Station along PA Route 228, enroute to Mars Cemetery. Details on the arrangements will be posted here once finalized.

The AAFD extends its deepest condolences to Jimmy’s family. Thank you for sharing him with us for so many years. And to his colleagues at the Pittsburgh Bureau of Fire.

Godspeed, James M. Ellis, Jr. We will carry the watch forward.